Summerland family copes with rare kidney disease

COPING WITH KIDNEY DISEASE
Seven-year-old Ainsley Campbell has been diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a rare form of kidney disease. When she has a virus, her kidneys stop functioning properly.
(Photo submitted)

When seven-year-old Ainsley Campbell of Summerland picks up a virus, it is a serious matter as her kidneys stop functioning properly.

“Right now she’s in a full-blown relapse,” said her mother, Melissa Campbell. “This one’s been pretty hard.”

As a result, Ainsley Campbell was not able to participate in an Orca Swim Club meet on the weekend.

Two years ago, she was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a rare form of kidney disease. The syndrome affects four to eight children out of 100,000.

Because the disease is so rare, the family is learning how to cope with it.

“Each time she relapses, the side effects are worse and more intense,” Melissa Campbell said.

However, the family is working to give Ainsley Campbell as normal a life as possible. She is in Grade 1 and is an active child as long as she is not coping with a virus.

When she has a virus, some of the medications have side effects including mood swings and depression. Treatment includes prednisone, which results in increased appetite and weight gain.

Melissa Campbell said some of the children diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome will grow out of the condition, while others will have it for life.